For many Americans, taking daily medications is a fact of life. However, many of those medications can have an unwanted side effect of hyperglycemia, or increasing blood sugar levels. This is especially concerning for those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, where blood sugars are already elevated due to poor pancreatic function, a lack of pancreatic function, or a resistance in the body to insulin.
Corticosteroids
Commonly prescribed to reduce symptoms associated with respiratory disorders or inflammatory diseases, corticosteroids are proven to increase blood sugar levels, according to the MayoClinic.com. Corticosteroids can be taken orally, intravenously or even through physician injection for muscle and spine pains. Those with diabetes must monitor blood sugars closely while undergoing corticosteroid therapy.
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications come in a myriad of types, some of which are responsible for increasing blood sugars. MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, notes that lithium, risperidone and olanzapine are three antipsychotics known for their hyperglycemic effects. These medications act by altering glucose tolerance within the body and should be monitored closely.
Estrogen
Estrogen, a naturally occurring female hormone, is frequently taken as an oral contraceptive or as a supplement for menopause. Estrogen acts as an antagonist to insulin, which allows blood sugar levels to rise, according to MedlinePlus. Diabetics taking estrogen supplements, whether over-the-counter herbal supplements or by prescription, must discuss any blood sugar concerns with their physician.
Diuretics
Diuretics such as thiazide and furosemide are used to remove excessive fluids from the body. Commonly, people with chronic heart and lung disease use diuretics daily. However, many diuretics can subdue the body's natural insulin production thereby allowing blood sugars to rise uncontrolled, the information website Family Practice notebook.com notes. If blood sugar is a known concern, blood sugar levels must be closely monitored while taking diuretics.
Beta Blockers
The group of medications referred to collectively as beta-blockers include drugs like propanolol and metoprolol. These medications are prescribed for coronary diagnoses such as high blood pressure, angina and heart failure. In an ABC News interview, Dr. Domenic Sica, the chairman for clinical pharmacology at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, noted that beta blockers can increase blood sugars in diabetic and non-diabetic persons, as well as push a borderline diabetic into type 2 diabetes.
